Do you want to go back to the future? Well, we’re already in 2015, so Doc Brown’s time machine is off the table, but Disney is now giving guests a glimpse of the world (or at least the moview) of tomorrow. As Rikki Niblett reported, Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland preview officially opened on April 18 […]

Do you want to go back to the future? Well, we’re already in 2015, so Doc Brown’s time machine is off the table, but Disney is now giving guests a glimpse of the world (or at least the moview) of tomorrow. As Rikki Niblettreported, Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland preview officially opened on April 18 inside Epcot‘s Magic Eye Theater, formerly home to Captain EO.

The new temporary attraction is essentially an advertisement for the upcoming Brad Bird-directed sci-fi flick, which will be released to American theaters on May 22.

Posters and artwork from the film now adorn the entryway to the Imagination Pavilion’s theater.

On April 17, Annual Passholders got a preview of the preview, including free collectible pins for all who attended.

The preshow area features a case containing a jetpack, the only screen-used prop displayed in Epcot’s exhibit.

While waiting for the show to start, guests listen to occasional audio clips (presumably of the film’s director and/or writer) discussing the movie’s themes. The dialogue is interesting, but it’s odd that there was no accompanying video on the overhead screens.

The Tomorrowland preview is screened inside the Magic Eye Theater, which has not been visibly modified since Captain EO’s closure. The preview is about 15 minutes long, and is not in 3-D (nor is the feature film, though it is being released in IMAX).

In-theater lighting effects are used sporadically throughout the Tomorrowland preview. With the exception of one effective “spotlight” moment, I found them more distracting than immersive. Wind effects are put to good use, and the sound system’s subwoofer gets a good workout.

During my afternoon screening, there were no moving seat effects in use at Epcot’s Tomorrowland preview. However, others have reported that movement was used during a few moments during morning screenings.

Spoiler Alert!

The preview presents a substantial sequence from what seems to be near the start of the film. It stars Thomas Robinson as young Frank Welker (the child version of the character played by George Clooney) at the 1964 World’s Fair. Most notably for Disney fans, it features the attraction it’s a small world; filming was done at Disneyland, with props and CGI to recreate how the ride look as it appeared at the World’s Fair.

It turns out that there’s more to Mary Blair’s droning dolls than meets the eye, as Frank finds himself transported to futuristic world that’s styled suspiciously like 1970’s era Space Mountain. An ancestor of the jetpack displayed in the lobby leads to a high-flying action scene, which finishes of the Tomorrowland preview on a high note.

End of Spoilers

The preview concludes with a collection of clips from the rest of the film, including many already familiar from the previously released Tomorrowland trailer. On the whole, the preview increased my anticipation for the film (which was already moderately high) and provided an air-conditioned respite for a few minutes. I wouldn’t necessarily see it a second time, but it’s probably a better way to kill time than the mediocre dark ride that shares its pavilion.

Incidentally, while the same preview is also being presented at Disneyland’s Magic Eye Theater (which is actually in Tomorrowland, appropriately enough), on the west coast they also have a full exhibit of props and artwork installed inside the nearby Starcade.

Epcot’s Tomorrowland preview is expected to run through the film’s May 22 premiere. Disney officially insists that Captain EO will return some time after that, but I’m not holding my breath for the King of Pop’s second posthumous comeback.

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel is one of our favorite places in the entire Disneyland Resort, so it’s an understatement to say we’re excited about the opening of its East Coast outpost. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is about to debut at Walt Disney World’s newly retro-christened Polynesian Village Resort, and […]

The line to enter and take a “tour” of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (no drinking involved) stretched down the corridor.

Unfortunately, only cast members were permitted inside, and no photography was allowed. From those who did make it in, we hear the bar has numerous visual and audio effects associated with ordering various specialty drinks, including some tributes to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the Enchanted Tiki Room.

This is as close as I got to the inside of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto…

This map highlighting the Polynesian’s new DVC villas and bungalows was distributed to the preview participants.

We were able to take a stroll around the exterior, and catch a glimpse of the still-unfinished patio. While everyone is going to want to sit inside to experience the special effects, this outside seating is critical because there are only about 50 indoor seats. Even with the patio, only about 100 guests at a time will be able to enjoy Trader Sam’s, and a host stand outside will distribute pagers while everyone else waits.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will operate from 4 p.m. to midnight. All ages are allowed in the afternoon, but you must be 21 or older to enter after 8 p.m. We’ve heard Thursday, March 26th as the projected public opening date for Trader Sam’s, but that is unofficial and subject to change. When it is open, we’ll be there to bring you details on on the drinks, snacks, and kooky effects that lie in store.

While looking at the Trader Sam’s construction, I also caught some snapshots of the progress on Poly’s central volcano pool, starting with this map posted outside the new Pineapple Lanai Dole Whip window.

Back inside the hotel’s Great Ceremonial House, the newly refurbished lobby — now completely shorn of its original simulated rainforest, smell and all — just received another addition: this tiki statue, who seems to be shrugging:

Speaking of tikis, spot these sneaky guys in the Polynesian’s lobby gift shop.

Finally, the landscaping immediately adjacent to the Poly’s entrance seems to be getting an overhaul. It looks like they may be enhancing the water feature here, which could make partial amends for the loss of the indoor waterfalls.

Have you been to Trader Sam’s in Disneyland? What are you most looking forward to at the new Trader Sam’s? Let us know in the comments!

Nearly a month after construction walls came down around Universal Studios Florida‘s London waterfront, PotterWatch finally paid off this past week, as regular guests were finally allowed to experience Universal Orlando‘s new Harry Potter attractions in advance of the expansion’s July 8 official opening. Hogwarts Express began “technical rehearsals” on July 1, and the first […]

Regular guests get their first look at the Universal’s newest Wizarding World during the first day of Diagon Alley soft openings (photos by Seth Kubersky)

Nearly a month after construction walls came down around Universal Studios Florida‘s London waterfront, PotterWatch finally paid off this past week, as regular guests were finally allowed to experience Universal Orlando‘s new Harry Potter attractions in advance of the expansion’s July 8 official opening. Hogwarts Express began “technical rehearsals” on July 1, and the first Diagon Alley soft openings started on July 3.

While the Gringotts ride is not available during these previews, all shops, restaurants, and shows in Diagon Alley should be open to guests on a daily basis until the grand opening on July 8.

As congested as these photos may appear, this is nothing compared to how busy Diagon Alley will be once opening day officially arrives. With minimal queues to enter the area, and posted standby waits at Hogwarts Express of 30 minutes or less, this is an ideal time to experience Diagon Alley without the crushing crowds that are surely coming right around the corner.

Check out these front-line photos from July 3, documenting the first few hours after ordinary visitors were first allowed to experience the new Wizarding World:

]]>http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/07/06/potterwatch-hogwarts-express-diagon-alley-soft-openings/feed/3Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Media Preview To Be Held June 17-20http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/05/14/diagon-alley-media-preview-june-17-20/
http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/05/14/diagon-alley-media-preview-june-17-20/#commentsWed, 14 May 2014 20:15:38 +0000http://blog.touringplans.com/?p=62411By Seth Kubersky

Breaking news! A friendly FedEx owl from Universal Orlando dropped off a parcel this morning containing an invitation to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley media preview, scheduled for June 17-20. Here’s a look at the lovely package, which included tickets for the Hogwarts Express and a “gold” bar from Gringotts bank: […]

Breaking news! A friendly FedEx owl from Universal Orlando dropped off a parcel this morning containing an invitation to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley media preview, scheduled for June 17-20. Here’s a look at the lovely package, which included tickets for the Hogwarts Express and a “gold” bar from Gringotts bank:

The Diagon Alley media preview being held June 17-20 implies that the official grand opening may occur on Friday, June 20th (since they would want media present to capture the crazy crowds) or immediately after. But the invitation does not explicitly say “grand opening,” so it is possible Universal could pull a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and keep the public out for some time after the press. Keep an eye on our PotterWatch series for more information as it becomes available!

Are you ready to take your home video game console to infinity…and beyond? Disney Infinity, this seasons’s most eagerly awaited videogame release, promises to integrate “sandbox” style open-world gameplay with Skylanders-style physical toys, creating a universe where characters as diverse as Jack Sparrow and Jack Skellington can virtually coexist. The game and its associated figurines […]

Are you ready to take your home video game console to infinity…and beyond? Disney Infinity, this seasons’s most eagerly awaited videogame release, promises to integrate “sandbox” style open-world gameplay with Skylanders-style physical toys, creating a universe where characters as diverse as Jack Sparrow and Jack Skellington can virtually coexist.

The game and its associated figurines go on sale to the public on August 18, but Disneyland Annual Passholders can get an early preview tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8/6/2013). From 5pm to 10pm, APs get exclusive access to the Xbox 360 area of Tomorrowland’s Innoventions attraction, which will be devoted to Disney Infinity for the next few months. You’ll also get to meet members of the game’s development team, and maybe find a few other surprises.

No advance registration is required for this Limited Time Magic event, but space is limited so you will need to show your valid AP at the attraction entrance.

If you are a Disneyland annual Passholder who is eagerly awaiting the next installment in Tony Stark’s superhero saga, you’ll want to head to Tomorrowland for tonight’s (Friday, April 12) exclusive preview of a new Innoventions exhibit. In anticipation of the May 3 premiere of Iron Man 3, a Stark Industries interactive display has been […]

If you are a Disneyland annual Passholder who is eagerly awaiting the next installment in Tony Stark’s superhero saga, you’ll want to head to Tomorrowland for tonight’s (Friday, April 12) exclusive preview of a new Innoventions exhibit. In anticipation of the May 3 premiere of Iron Man 3, a Stark Industries interactive display has been temporarily installed inside the circular building. Guests will get the chance to see Stark’s iconic suits of armor up close, and experience a simulation of strapping one one.

Registration for tonight’s event begins at 1pm at Innoventions; a valid AP is required. Participants can preview the new attraction starting at 6pm, and can stay in the park to enjoy select Tommorowland attractions until 1am.

Celebrate the theatrical release of Iron Man 3 with the opening of the new exhibit, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries, inside Innoventions. Annual Passholders can get a special preview of the exhibit before it opens to the general public, including the chance to virtually suit up with and test pieces of the Mark 42 armor. Plus, Passholders will have access to select Tomorrowland attractions for an additional 2 hours after regular Disneyland Park closing.

Iron Man 3 in theaters May 3, 2013!

With Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic, Annual Passholders have exciting opportunities, offers and events like this.

The following Tomorrowland attractions, dining and merchandise locations are currently scheduled to be available during the event to Annual Passholders showing their valid event wristband to the Cast Member at participating attractions:

Tomorrowland Attractions

Space Mountain

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Autopia

Astro Orbiter

Tomorrowland Dining and Merchandise

Tomorrowland Terrace

The Star Trader

Space Image

Please note that available attractions and services are subject to change without notice. The remainder of the Park will not be open.

Event and Registration/Wristband Details

Annual Passholders may register in person for the event beginning at 1:00 p.m. on the day of the event near the entrance to Innoventions in Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park. There is no online or phone registration for this event. It is recommended that all members of your party register together.

All participating Guests (ages 3 and older) must be valid Annual Passholders on the day of the event. Children under 3 years of age are permitted to attend the event as long as space is available and wristband is obtained through the registration process.

All participating Annual Passholders must present their active Annual Passport to the event Cast Member, who will check event availability. Photo ID may be required. Event wristbands are required for admission to both the exhibit and the Tomorrowland After-Hours event.

Wristbands will be distributed upon event registration. Registration and distribution of event wristbands will be based on availability. Space is limited.

Admission to the exhibit area will be granted subject to capacity, scheduled park events and other restrictions.

The exhibit experience may include long wait periods, is subject to temporary closures and may be cancelled at any time. The event does not guarantee access to any attraction or location.

Registered Passholders who have received a wristband may enter the Tomorrowland portion of the event up until 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Wristbands may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes and have no cash value.

Additional Information

Valid theme park admission is required.

Parking for this event will be at the Toy Story parking area and the Mickey & Friends parking structure.

Standard parking fees will apply.

Mickey & Friends parking trams and Toy Story shuttles will continue to run until 1:30 a.m., however, shuttle service to all other Resort parking lots will end at their normally scheduled times following Disneyland Park closing.

Construction is nearing completion on Disneyland Park’s new Fantasy Faire, the princess meet & greet complex that is replacing the classic Carnation Plaza Gardens. The new area, which controversially extends Fantasyland’s theming into the central hub for the first time, officially opens to the public on March 12. If you are an annual Passholder, you […]

Construction is nearing completion on Disneyland Park’s new Fantasy Faire, the princess meet & greet complex that is replacing the classic Carnation Plaza Gardens. The new area, which controversially extends Fantasyland’s theming into the central hub for the first time, officially opens to the public on March 12.

If you are an annual Passholder, you can get a sneak peek of this expansion on March 7, 8, 9. The preview events will be held between noon and 6pm on those three days, with Passholders limited to designated two-hour entry windows.